Add as a preferred source on Google CM Punk says the top-rope moonsault he attempted during his Undisputed WWE Championship defense at SummerSlam was a tribute to Terry Funk.
The spot came against Cody Rhodes on the first night of the PLE at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis. Punk rotated awkwardly and only partially connected, landing to Rhodes’ side before continuing the match.
During an appearance on ESPN SportsCenter, the interviewer described the moonsault as “incredible.” Punk laughed at the choice of words before explaining the idea behind the rough execution.
“I don’t know [if it was incredible]. I could take that either way. It was incredibly bad or it was so bad it was good. I don’t know. But a little homage. A lot of homages tonight. That was for Terry.”
CM Punk paying homage to Minnesota with a classic North Stars jacket 👏 #SummerSlam pic.twitter.com/baAVnG99A7
— ESPN (@espn) August 1, 2026
Funk became known for bringing a moonsault into his offense well into the latter stages of his career, matching the unpredictable style that defined much of his work.
The former NWA World Heavyweight Champion died at 79 in August 2023. Funk and his brother, Dory Funk Jr., entered the WWE Hall of Fame together in 2009.
The moonsault did not lead to the finish. Punk retained after a referee bump, when Randy Orton returned and hit Rhodes with an RKO before Punk followed with the GTS for the pin.
One night later, Kevin Owens returned to the ring and won a fatal four-way over Sami Zayn, Gunther and Finn Bálor, earning the next shot at Punk’s title.